Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1887-07-08

ii eswas not cons ously irreverenta in
the Jest. But all the same Elizabeth
sighed and was troubled over what
seemed such grieyous defect ofheart
and mind. .s5.#s
She would never trust her love in
I the keeping of a man who had neither
pity nor aid for them who had fallen
behind in the race Of life; that she had.
firmly resolved.
z 81 thought lou would like q sleigh
ride. he said, as he held the white
hand which she had extended toward
him in greeting. The afternoon is
unusually fine, and besides, i have a
little project / should like to suggest
for your consideration So .s5 80
"a phantom dance, or a race on
snoW-shoes, or something in the to-
hogan line?'' said she, looking inter-
ested too intensely and demurely SO,
for sincerely, if he could have inter
preted it Alright. z s.. II. .:.sF
Well, you can have any of those il.
you like" he answered, lightly.
But he had dropped the soft white.
hand, and Elizabeth wondered at
some vague change in his look and
manner, which she could not define.
!" ! must deny myself OF any and Of
all, even the sleighing for to-day" she
replied, with a regret that was unmls.
takably sincere. l':..
II hope not the sleigh-ride," he re-
turned, in surprise. "a party OF our.
friends are to meet us at De Valo's.
"A band is going out; we are to have
supper and little dancing; and then.
the jaunt home by moonlight. We
had counted on having you with us,
Elizabeth <#|t ...,s - =;
She took a mental view of the tempt
ing prospective glorious sunlight,
and moonlight with the dazzling sky
above and the dazzling snow beneath;
OF the brilliant boulevard, with it's
splendor and merriment of noddlng
plumes and tingling bells; OF the band,
of the dancing and the banqueting.
The view was alluring, certainly.
But then, the contents Of that big
hamper were to be distributed. There
were her poor, her sick, her sorrow.
ing-each one waiting for her words of
counsel and comfort, for her more
convincing tokens of charitable intent
in the way OF bread or medicine.
And then, there was a distressed
family only a few hours before
brought to her notice-the mothsrdy
ing, the father temporary disabled by
some almost fatal accident, and the
only child, a girl, young and fair like
herself -praying Heaven for the trl-
fling help which would keep their home
unbroken in their season OF trial. =
All this passed before Elizabeth
mental vision in brief moment, as
she stood listening to Mr.. Keith's
concluding utterance.
And in that brief moment her de-
cision was made. The prospect was
tempting, and the gay party had quite
counted ON her being with them, very
likely, but the afternoon was sacred
to the unfortunate ones whose grieving
eyes would gladden. at her coming
whose depths OF misery would seem
but the deeper if she would TAIL them.
II am awfully sorry" she said at
length in careless words, which belied
her serious thoughts. II should have
enjoyed the sleighing immensely. Ill
could have had a little previous init
nation OF the pleasure, l could have
awaited myself Of the compliment and
joined our friends, OF course. AS it IS,
unluckily have a precluding engage
ment."
"With your dressmaker?" Mr..
Keith observed smilingly, in a voice
which somehow was unlike his own.
with Madam Sanrobe? Oh, she is
an artistic, and one of the most exact
ing" said Elizabeth, catching her cue
from the observation and utilizing it
to the utmost. Her creations are
perfection-exquisite dreams OF har-
mony or contrast; but her fitting
seance, it is borrowing! and her bills
are absolutely appalling, as poor I'm
Gle Guy can testify, if he would
This diplomatic little fable-charm-
ing Or otherwise-produced the effect
intended.
Mr.. Julius Keith bowed courteous
Difference to her excuses, and as cour-
teously took his departure.
could love her if she were only less
frivolous" he thought as he once
more took the reins in his seal-gloved
hands and headed his belled and
prancing grays down the gay winter
street. "But might as well, first as
last, accept the truth-that Elizabeth
Archleigh hasn't q thought or aim
above her gloves and dresses ..
In the mean time Elizabeth Arch
leigh, standing in the oriel easement
OF the elegant drawing-room, was
watching him out OF sight with eyes
dim with tears. ...
I He hasn't an ambition above the
pastime OF the moment" she thought
with strange bitterness. "Amid all